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Despite my best efforts – no blue light in bed, breathable bedding and a cool, dark room – falling asleep is a struggle. The moment I get into bed, my mind starts racing, replaying everything that happened during the day (or 10 years ago) and running through all the things I need to do tomorrow.
I’ve tried weighted blankets – which use a technique called ‘deep touch pressure’ to apply gentle, calming pressure to the body and encourage relaxation – but I personally find them a little claustrophobic. So when my colleague Kim, the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior sleep and wellness tester, suggested I try a weighted eye mask – which delivers similar benefits, without the heavy feeling across your whole body, I was intrigued.
Only the best would do, of course, so I opted for the Good Housekeeping Institute's top-rated option, the Silk Addict Weighted Sleep Mask, which scored an impressive 85/100 in tests. Here's how I got on, plus whether a weighted eye mask is worth adding to your sleep regime.
The Silk Addict Weighted Sleep Mask at a glance
The Silk Addict Weighted Sleep Mask is filled with glass beads to create gentle, evenly distributed pressure across the eyes and temples, helping to ease tension and promote deeper, uninterrupted sleep.
Made with premium 22 momme, 6A-grade mulberry silk, the fabric is naturally temperature regulating, offering cooling comfort and helping to reduce puffiness. Its smooth surface also minimises friction around the delicate eye area and can help prevent sleep creases. Crucially, the wide design helps block out light effectively, creating a dark environment that supports a restful, distraction-free night’s sleep.
The mask also comes in three chic colourways (berry, black and navy) and has an adjustable strap for a secure fit.
My review of the Silk Addict Weighted Sleep Mask
After unboxing, the first thing I noticed was how gloriously smooth the fabric felt against my skin – it was like wrapping my eyes in a cloud of silk. Just place it over your eyes, adjust the Velcro strap at the back to stop it from sliding off and you’re good to drift off.
I was a little apprehensive about the weighted sensation, but I was surprised by how much I liked it after my first week of testing. It offered light compression, without feeling too heavy or intense on my face. What really stood out for me, though, was how much it helped me switch off as I lay down. The racing thoughts felt significantly quieter with the mask on, and the gentle pressure helped me settle more quickly, making it easier to drift off. I was asleep within moments! Sure enough, my Oura Ring showed that I fell asleep faster than usual compared with the week before.
As a hot sleeper, I also loved its cooling capabilities. Unlike some eye masks I’ve tried, it didn’t feel hot or clammy on my face. Hot tip for fellow sweaty sleepers: pop it in the fridge for an hour before bed for an extra-refreshing, cooling sensation.
A moment for the luxe design, too. It comes beautifully presented, wrapped in tissue paper and packaged in a sleek cardboard box. It would make a gorgeous gift for the poor sleeper in your life.
My only bugbear is that it doesn’t come with a storage pouch – I leave it out on my bedside table, where it’s at risk of gathering dust. Plus, it's not the most practical option for travel.
It’s also worth mentioning that silk is higher maintenance than cotton – the mask is delicate and needs to be washed carefully. I stuck to hand washing mine, though you could also pop it in the machine inside a delicates bag.
The Good Housekeeping Institute verdict
Score: 85/100
Of course, we’re all different, and what works for one person may not work for another. That’s why our Good Housekeeping Institute experts enlisted a panel of testers to trial the sleep mask at home for a few weeks.
Like me, several testers – who used it for daytime naps, unwinding on the sofa and meditation sessions – reported feeling more relaxed and found it easier to switch off. “It helped improve my sleep quality and mental wellbeing,” said one, while another told us: “It’s very relaxing to sleep in.”
They also confirmed it blocked out light effectively and they raved about the silky fabric and cooling feeling, describing the mask as “beautifully luxurious” and “extremely comfortable”. It also stayed put effectively for most and didn’t get tangled up in testers’ hair or jewellery.
Some of the side sleepers on our panel noted some slipping and found it a bit bulky due to the glass beads, but back and combination sleepers had no issues. Overall, it’s a great option for anyone who finds it hard to unwind at bedtime and wants a sleep mask designed to help them properly relax.
The Silk Addict Weighted Sleep Mask is available to buy from Silk Addict, Boots and Not On The High Street. See our full round-up of the best eye masks for more choice.
What are the benefits of weighted eye masks?
“Weighted sleep masks can be a helpful non-medicated aid for improving sleep quality and relaxation by combining light blocking with gentle pressure that encourages the body to wind down and transition into sleep more easily,” says Dr Tom Maggs, chief medical officer at Healthwords. “Many people find the grounding sensations helps reduce bedtime anxiety and racing thoughts, leading to fewer wake-ups and more restorative rest.”
“Some users also report relief from eye strain and tension headaches after long periods of screen use,” he adds.
Dr Maggs notes that, while they’re generally safe for healthy adults, weighted sleep masks may not be suitable for those with certain eye conditions, sinus sensitivity or claustrophobia, or anyone who's recently had eye surgery. If you’re unsure, it’s best to seek medical advice first.
More Tried and Tested sleep buys to help you unwind
- From meditation aids to sleep trackers, we've found the best sleep gadgets to help you drift off
- Sleep next to a snorer? Read our editor's Soundcore Sleep A30 review to see if you could benefit from some noise-cancelling earbuds
- If you're thinking about adding a herbal supplement into your sleep routine, check out our round-up of the best sleep supplements, tested by a panel of 170 people
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Kim Hawley is the Senior Health & Fitness Tester at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads the independent testing of health, fitness, wellness and sleep products using evidence-led protocols and her extensive industry expertise.
With more than 30 years' experience in the health and fitness industry, Kim has worked as a lead personal trainer, fitness instructor and health writer, teaching at some of London's leading health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Kim has a particular interest in women's health, especially pre-, peri- and post-menopause, and combines hands-on industry experience with rigorous product evaluation. From fitness trackers and smartwatches to home gym equipment, recovery devices, wellness tech, supplements and sleep solutions, she oversees comprehensive testing to help consumers make confident, informed purchasing decisions they can trust.
